Friday, March 20, 2009

T.G.I.F. Giveaway

It's Friday! Enjoy your weekend to pursue your hobbies, play catch up on household matters or just plain CHILL.


To celebrate this first TGIF of Spring, we are sponsoring our newest contest.

The prize is: "Friday Night Lights" The First Season 5 disc DVD!

To enter, leave a comment about your favorite teacher and what made that person so special to you as a student? **Becoming a Follower will earn you a bonus entry, but make sure you left a comment, too!** Our contest ends at Midnight PST on Friday, March 27th. This is open to all U.S. residents, at least 18 years old. One entry per household. Good Luck!

Since I can't enter, I would still like to share my favorite teacher. Looking back through elementary, high school and college - it's an easy choice. The best teacher I ever had was Mr. Poletti, my high school public speaking teacher. His teaching methods gave me confidence and helped me overcome freshman shyness. The format he taught us in writing a speech spilled over to other classes and my essays usually ended up giving me an "A". I can't believe I went on to competing in speech tournaments and doing well. He had the keen insight to pull out of us, what we never knew was there.

What qualities should teaching professionals incorporate into their daily lessons? We can learn from YOUR comments.

Who was your favorite teacher? Why?



86 comments:

  1. mr. mo taught me how to read when know one else could mverno@roadrunner.com

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  2. My englihs teache rin high school was great, she always encouraged me to try new things and live my dreams

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  3. My favorite teacher was my 9th grade Civics teacher, Coach Fillauer. He made the class so much fun and it was easier to learn. He was so creative and was so kind to me.

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  4. my favorite teacher was miss trigg. she was my jr high school science teacher. she was the first African American teacher and she showed courage by becoming a teacher in our school after intergration

    teechbiz at gmail dot com

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  5. I did not meet my favorite teacher until later in life. His name is Mr. Hobert and he was my English teacher in college. Before I had him as a teacher, I hated reading and writing. Because of his enthusiastic and never-dull lectures I now love to read and write. He inspired me so much that I changed my major from Social Science to English. I don't think I would have ever discovered the world of writing and literature if it were not for him.

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  6. My favorite teacher was Mr. Bronk Williams. He really encouraged me to pursue writing, even though other teachers thought my writing was too dark. He inspired me greatly and is a great role model.
    meredycat*lycos*com

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  7. My 1st grade teacher mrs Kellaher,she was kind & gentle.

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  8. mrs parker- long ago but she was the first that told my dad to let me do my best and accept it

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  9. I have several. But the first that comes to mind is probably Dr. Digregario who was my high school physics teacher. He helped me to realize how important science would be in my life, and now I'm actually working towards a degree in a scientific field. :)


    elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

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  10. I had a great fifth grade teacher that made learning interesting.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

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  11. I didn't ever have a favorite Teacher.

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  12. I had several really excellent teachers who opened my mind to learning. I am so grateful to them.

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  13. My 6th grade teacher was my favorite. It was the only time I was ever "teacher's pet". She ever gave me a rabbit that had belonged to her daughter. I wrote the school just recently to thank her for being such a wonderful teacher.
    traymona[at]aol.com

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  14. My 8th grade history teacher Mr. Malara- he had dances and was just a fun guy!

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  15. My 1st/2nd grade teacher, Miss Bugbee, stands out as my favourite amongst many fine teachers. She recognized a child having difficulties at home yet had much to offer. She drew on my good qualities and as a result I became an avid reader. Later in life she remained an effective example of being a leader who got the job done while drawing out the best in people.

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  16. My favorite teacher would be my 5th grade teacher,I had just moved to a new school and she made the move less frightening, she made me feel so welcome like I had always been in her classroom.
    lgrieser(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  17. high school math teacher, she was SO patient

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  18. my first grade teacher unfortunately she was sick and we had a lot of substitutes but she was just like june cleaver thanks for the giveaway

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  19. My biology teacher, because he implied to me once that I was too dumb for his class because he knew I'd work harder to prove him wrong.

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  20. mrs brandt-she was so patient with all of her littleones!

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  21. My 6th Grade teacher Mrs. Crider was my favorite teacher. She made me feel like I could do or be anything. She was an inspiration to me!

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  22. My favorite teacher was my home ec teacher in high school. She made all of her own clothes, even her underwear. She could cook, sew, play the piano, and change her own oil. I was, and still am, in awe. She taught me to always strive to do something perfectly.

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  23. My fourth grade teacher was my favorite teacher. She was understanding and helpful

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  24. My Group Dynamics teacher in my Mental Health Program is my fav teach of all time! He pushes for greatness!
    Thanks for entering me! Great Contest!

    Janna Johnson
    janna@FeedYourPigBlog.com
    www.FeedYourPigBlog.com

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  25. Mrs. Rasmussen. She was my Kindergarten teacher and she made the most impact on me. Thanks for the chance.

    mogrill@comcast.net

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  26. My favorite teacher was Mr. Radie. He was my high school typing and business teacher. With computers and typing as part of my every day life I carry his lessons with me every day!

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  27. My first "favorite" teacher was Mr. Wilson--my 5th grade teacher. Although he was a rough teacher, his lessons in science were memorable and fun. His classes gave me my first taste of science, which became my future college degree.

    In college, my favorite professor was Dr. Lynn Raulerson--my biology prof and later my MS Degree graduate school advisor. Again, she made science and learning in general interesting and fun. (Dr. Raulerson even co-taught a class in "science fiction" with a history professor--which made the class so much fun --and which pissed off the whole campus English department --even MORE fun!) Dr. Raulerson gave me writing projects with a biological bent, which led to my eventual career as a scientific/technical writer-editor (after being a biology teacher for two years!).

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  28. I had some really great teachers, but one that really stands out was my third grade teacher. She was so fun and enthusiastic. She made up neat rewards for our class and let us express ourselves. She challenged me and encouraged me and was one of the teachers that inspired me to go back to school to become a teacher myself.

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  29. I have more than 1 favorite teacher. However my 5th grade teacher Mrs. H really stands out. I fell in love with rhyme and poetry that year. She also let us write on colored notebook paper, which I thought was awesome. She also ended up being a substitute teacher to my son when he was in school as well.Cool beans!

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  30. My favorite teacher was my English teacher Mr. Kreger. He pushed me a little harder than everyone else to write and read. It really changed my opinion of school.

    jason@allworldautomotive.com

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  31. My favorite was Mrs. Kelley because she read me around the world and touched my soul.

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  32. Mrs. Briggs my second grade teacher, really really liked her, thanks for the giveaway

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  33. I was home schooled so my mom was my teacher, she was always hands on and let me learn things on my own too.

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  34. My favorite teacher was Mrs. Simpson in 5th grade.
    She truly cared about teaching and was always there if you needed help. The thing I loved most about her was you better hear the pin drop. She would drop a pin on the floor and if we didn't hear it we would get a pop quiz. So in her class we really listened.

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  35. My 5th grade teacher, Mr. George, found something special in each of his students and made us all believe in ourselves. I've never forgotten his obvious love of teaching and how this inspired us!

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  36. Miss Costello, my fourth grade teacher, made learning fun.

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  37. Ms. Ford, my 4th grade teacher, encouraged me at an early age to pursue my writing career! She believed in not only me, but all of her students! She bestowed us all with kindness, knowledge and wisdom, and taught us that learning could be fun and that if we worked hard enough, we could achieve anything we wanted!

    leandrew_taylor@yahoo.com

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  38. I follow you on blogger!

    leandrew_taylor@yahoo.com

    Thanks for the 'great' giveaway offering!

    Good luck to all!

    leandrew_taylor@yahoo.com

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  39. I loved my 11th grade English teacher, Rob Schiff. He was a great teacher and he was really funny (he was even part of a local improv group). He became even more special to me and my friends after we went on a school summer trip to Europe with him. Had he not offered that trip I would have never gone to Europe. I'm really glad I took his class. sbcashortie (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  40. Count me in :)

    ktgonyea at gmail.com

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  41. I never really had a favorite teacher, never really liked school and teachers.

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  42. My favorite teacher was my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Eno. She really went above and beyond a teachers duties, to make sure we all passed, and actually understood what she was teaching us.

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  43. As a teacher I try to exemplify patience. I think many people lack patience and they wind up losing their tempers

    teechbiz at gmail dot com

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  44. My fave teacher was not only my 1st-2nd grade teacher but also my cousin. She never married or had any children of her own. She poured all her love into her God and her classroom. She always made each student feel special and spent many hours with us students both in and out of the classrooms. R.I.P. Ms. Cunningham.

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  45. My Senior English teacher Mrs. L. was a bird out of water, a NYC gal in farm country Illinois. She taught us persistence and dedication. She also taught us sorrow and regret when she talked to us about her husband, who died when she was teaching us...

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  46. This is a very easy answer for me. I just celebrated my 20th Class Reunion and attending was my favorite teacher. I had him EVERY year from 7th grade to graduation. He was a hard teacher, one that did not put up with talking, note passing, he made you pay attention and he gained my full respect. He taught me Civics, American History, American Government, Taxes/Economics and so much more. He was also the football coach. He lived and breathed to teach us. He is someone I still look up to to this day. Right after I graduated he moved away, out of state, I am thankful he did not move within my time as I would not have learned so much. Thank you Mr. S******T!

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  47. You are now following The Fine Art of Substitute Teaching.

    Following, thank you :)

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  48. My favorite teacher was my English teacher. She was so inspirational, and also urged me to do my best. She also took the time to pull me aside and tell me how smart I was and how I could be anything I wanted. I'll never forget her! I won most of the year-end English awards because of her.

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  49. My favorite teacher was my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Pearman. She always made me feel special and was always interested in what I was doing all the way through my schooling including college. She even came to my wedding!

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  50. My favorite teacher was my Civics teacher. She was my favorite because she paid me the compliment of asking my advice about a piece of jewelry.

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  51. Love this topic, my favorite teacher was my 4th grade teacher, Ms Menard. She made learning so much fun. I have many wonderful memories of this wonderful teacher. I was also fortunate to have her in my life years later when she became my son's vice principal. She just recently left this world and moved on to the next. I know that her memory will live in the hearts of her "kids" forever. God Speed Ms Menard, we miss you.

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  52. My favorite teacher in school was Mrs Dutcher in 5th grade. She made me appreciate school and learning by making it fun. Thanks.

    kport207 at gmail dot com

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  53. My favorite teacher was my Kindergarten teacher Ms. Carr. She was so caing and really eased me into liking school. I was one of those kids that always cried when my mom dropped me off. She would pay special attention to me so I wouldn't cry. I always remember what a kind teacher she was. I still wish I knew where she was now.

    jesskaufman at hotmail dot com

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  54. My sixth grade teacher Mrs. Debels was my favorite teacher. She encouraged you to be your best and shine.

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  55. I've had a few favorite teachers over the year, but I'll spotlight one: Professor Scott Sandage. He teaches American culture & history at Carnegie Mellon University. He's interesting and dynamic, reasonable but demanding. He challenges you to improve as a student and more importantly as a person. He doesn't teach dates, but he does impart true knowledge. He also develops true friendships with students, such as myself. He isn't afraid to expose vulnerabilities in himself in order to reach people. He openly discussed being gay and overcoming depression. To me, that's brave and beautiful.

    His comments on my papers also made me a better writer, and as an aspiring novelist, that's invaluable.

    So many that's a bit beyond "favorite teacher" (since it's college and not grade school) but still. :)

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  56. My favorite teacher was my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Veillet. Everyday we would read a bit from a novel out loud in her classroom. I remember reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It gave me a huge love for reading. The class was always fun, and included everyone. I dreaded going on to the next year knowing I wouldnt have fun, imaginative teachers like her. She was the best.

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  57. My favorite teacher and one I will never forget was my third grade teacher Mrs. Smith. She was an older grandmotherly type and it was her last year of teaching before retirement. She taught me so many things but what I appreciate the most was my life long love affair with books that she instilled in me.

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  58. Mrs Hancock taught me the finer points of diplomacy between students. Have used those points to this day.

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  59. I had a Japanese gymnastic coach named Kanzaki that was the best.

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  60. Ms. Eger - she spent hours with us even on weekends and summers. She did it so that we could be better people and have more confidence in ourselves. I was not until I was grown that I really appreciated the sacrifice that was for her.

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  61. mrs teitelbaum, my 11th grade teacher, because she let us write fiction instead of just those godawful what i did on my summer vacation type essays

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  62. One of my fave teachers was my creative writing teacher in high school. She kept my interest & cultivated my love of "telling stories".

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  63. My favorite teacher was my my mom. She was also a Sunday School teacher, but she taught me much more as my mom.

    Highlander50 [at] paris.com

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  64. In college I had a math professor that taught me the most important thing I will ever learn. How to analyze information and think for yourself.

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  65. My favorite teacher was my 9th grade history teacher. I had a lot of problems that year, and he helped set me straight. If not for him, I probably would have wound up being a druggie in highschool! Thanks!!

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  66. My favorite teacher would have to be Mr. Lu, the art teacher and director of my high school's plays, who was the first teacher who really took the effort to get to know his students, to encourage them to express their individuality, and to find their inner creativity and inspiration. In addition, he introduced me to the world of art and theater, to which I'm forever grateful and indebted. Thanks for the giveaway!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

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  67. my fave was my 3rd grade teacher mrs christensen. she took care of all the students like they were her own children

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  68. My favorite teacher was Mrs. boone who was my eighth grade teacher.

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  69. Mrs. Braselton known as Mrs Edith was my third grade teacher. She was my favorite. She gave me confidence and helped me adjust to school. She was a friend to every student.

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  70. My favorit teacher was Mr. Pettit from 5th grade. He was strict but fair, and I learned a lot in his class.

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  71. fav teacher was 1st grade teacher, she was kind and smiled a lot and had a picnic for us all at the end of the year...I loved her

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  72. my favorite teacher was in 5th grade teacher named miss valentine:)

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  73. Mr Bergan, my college prep reading and writing class in my senior year of high school. Awesome teacher. Really knew his stuff but also was the hardest class I took, especially from the effort required. He expected a lot out of you but made everyone work to their full potential. You didn't want to disappoint him and he held you accountable to having done the work.

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  74. My favorite teacher was my 7th grade English teacher who was a former actor. He was so excited about his subject, which made the class exciting.

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  75. I don't have a favorite teacher sadly..

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  76. I have fond memories of my first grade teacher! She was so kind and made learning so much fun!

    debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com

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  77. just started following!

    debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com

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  78. My favorite teacher was my 10th grade history
    teacher.She made history fun and interesting
    and to this day it is my favorite subject.She
    knew I needed to pass this class and she included
    me in alot of debates and projects

    CharlieGurl57@aol.com

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  79. I am following your blog

    CharlieGurl57@aol.com

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  80. My second grade teacher was my favorite teacher. She was so special to me because she inspired my love of learning.

    ms.lilyk@gmail.com

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  81. Thank you to all who particpated! A random draw will be conducted this weekend and the winner notified, as well as posted here.

    I will be summarizing the comments in my next blog - which will bring out the key elements YOU pointed out that makes a memorable teacher.

    Sheryl :)

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